Top sustainability myths debunked

The vast majority of the British public do not understand basic terminology related to sustainability or climate change. The Guardian found that only around one-quarter of the public could accurately pin the definition of “green” or “sustainable”.

 

Euro News, citing the same study by the firm Trajectory, reported that since the ban on single-use-plastics, less than 50% of the respondents actually knew what that meant.

 

Given the importance of sustainability and impact on the environment, its nigh time to clear up and debunk some of the most common myths and definitions.

 

 

Sustainability and ESG are trendy but temporary

 

One of the top reasons for inaction are voices that claim sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are simply going to be gone in a few years. But that claim flies in the face of the overall national sustainability goals.

 

In the Roadmap to Net Zero Government Emissions, the government required UK emissions to be net zero by 2050. That means all organisations need to start thinking about reducing their carbon footprint. The journey is long term, so these concepts are here to stay.

 

 

Charities already do their share by being ‘good’

 

Purpose and mission are important. But how charities go about doing their business is under scrutiny. In a survey showcased by Civil Society, the vast majority of respondents felt charities had a critical role to play in environmental sustainability – in addition to mission.

 

Angela Morrison, Cancer Research UK’s Chief Operating Officer, says: “The results of the survey give a valuable insight from charity supporters and the wider public into the role they feel charities should play in sustainability, including that almost eight in ten of people surveyed believe charities have a responsibility to be environmentally sustainable”

 

Taking the findings one step further, while the public opinion holds that charities are doing good, they also need be cognisant of the overall climate crisis.

 

 

Digital is already green and sustainable

 

Charities are pushing towards greening their office and business impacts. Reducing printing, dimming device screens, and using certified products are just a start.  

 

In our series on sustainability, we share how more can be done. At Charity Digital, we’ve showcased how reducing e-waste can minimize the carbon footprint.

 

Many charities help other organisations by refurbishing or donating items. The Alan Turing Trust, one of the foremost UK charities in the space takes devices from others and retools them for educational purposes. The machines are then deployed around the world.

 

 

What does sustainability mean for charities?

 

Sustainability for charities can mean many different things – as we’ve seen from greening the office to instituting carbon accounting, there is not a one-size fits all definition.

 

But, in general, sustainability does mean having a policy outlining what actions the organisation is working towards. Marie Curie showcases their exemplary environment policy.

 

They outline three broad goals and publicly state how they are working towards them. The charity notes what they have achieved so far, so that they are transparent around progress.

 

 

What’s net zero?

 

Towards the end of 2023, the DESNZ Public Attitudes Tracker from noted that only 15% of the respondents said they knew ‘a lot’ about Net Zero. To put it bluntly, 50% of respondents knew ‘a little’ or even less about the concept and UK targets.

 

Debunking the mystique around Net Zero, Ian Allsop says: “Achieving net zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide emissions, as much as possible and then balancing out, or offsetting, any that remain by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere elsewhere.”  

 

For charity operations, net zero means not only reducing impact, but finding ways to capture and offset emissions.

 

 

Sustainability isn’t profitable

 

There is a misconception that going green and implementing sustainability measures are

costly. Even more challenging, the cost-of-living crisis is making it difficult for charities and individuals to buy local, use eco-friendly products, and purchase energy efficient items.

 

But doing the right thing is actually good for business and for charities.

 

The financial implications of net zero aren’t as daunting as expected. We’ve found that early investments into sustainability and energy efficiency related programmes is a boon to the bottom line. Over the longer term, saving energy and water are impactful.

 

Equally, being vocal can also be a differentiator. Donor awareness of how charities are achieving their sustainability goals is starting to play out. Those organisations who are on their green journey look more attractive. There are also climate funders and grants available to charities going beyond.

 

The National Lottery has a dedicated fund to organisations doing green work. They have also listed a number of other grants from which support is available.